The seven states east of Bangladesh are, for most travellers, entirely unknown. They are also among the most rewarding parts of the country: Khasi and Naga cultures with nothing in common with the plains, forests that still hold clouded leopard, and a river you cross by ferry because there is no bridge.
This is not a polished trip. Roads are slow, lodges are simple, and the weather does what it likes. It is our favourite itinerary to plan.
A starting point, not a fixed departure. Every element below can be lengthened, shortened or swapped.
Every journey is quoted individually once we know your dates, party size and pace. The first conversation is free.
The walk to the double-decker root bridge is around 3,000 steps down and the same back up – it needs a reasonable level of fitness. Some border areas require permits, which we arrange. Expect simpler accommodation than elsewhere in India.
Guwahati is the gateway, with direct flights from Delhi, Kolkata and Bengaluru. Everything after that is by road, and the roads are the journey.
Assam and Meghalaya need no permit. If we extend into Arunachal, Nagaland or Mizoram, Indian nationals need an Inner Line Permit and foreign nationals a Protected Area Permit – allow us three to four weeks.
Malaria prophylaxis is worth a conversation with your doctor for Kaziranga. Leeches are a nuisance on the root-bridge walk in the wet months – salt or repellent on your socks.
A rain shell you actually trust, walking shoes with grip, and a dry bag for the descent to Nongriat. The 3,000 steps back up are not a metaphor.
Add a week, drop the walking, bring the children, or start somewhere else entirely. We redraw every itinerary from scratch.
